Water, water, everywhere!
When a town has ‘lake’ in its name, it better give off an awesome paddling vibe. Saranac Lake doesn’t disappoint.
To help you get on the water when the paddling season unofficially kicks off, several outfitters and organizations in the Saranac Lake region have teamed up to offer a variety of paddling-related activities and events each June. Celebrate Paddling ADK is a month-long festival that was started in 2016 through a partnership between Adirondack Lakes and Trails, St. Regis Canoe Outfitters, and Northern Forest Canoe Trail. The goal was to provide a month-long event that featured lectures and historical discussions at local establishments, a river cleanup, and paddling activities on nearby waters. In 2018, the event grew even larger through the efforts of new partners, including Mac's Canoe Livery and Raquette River Outfitters, and now includes Guide ADK, and other local partners. Celebrate Paddling events in the Adirondacks will also be held in Tupper Lake and Long Lake, courtesy of Raquette River Outfitters, and for the first time this year, the events expand into May and June!
Saranac Lake, and much of the Adirondacks, has "right out your backdoor" paddling abundance. You can begin and end your day on the water right from downtown. Lake Flower is the show piece in the middle of town, and connects to the Saranac Chain. It is a daily reminder how connected you are to the water.
For a taste of what Celebrate Paddling ADK typically entails, check out the lineup.
This year, Celebrate Paddling is bigger and better than ever! We have extended past the month of June to include paddling events in May and July as well! Please check back regularly as events and activities are subject to change. The Celebrate Paddling ADK website is also updated with the most current events.
2025 Schedule of Events, More To Come!
- May 10 - ‘Round the Mountain Canoe & Kayak Race
- May 31 - Solo Canoe Fundamentals
- June 7 & 8 - SOLO Wilderness First Aid
- June 8 - Saranac River Cleanup
- June 11 - Meetup Paddle: Middle to Lower Saranac Lake with St. Regis Canoe Outfitters & Northern Forest Canoe Trail
- June 13-16 - Adirondack Paddling Symposium
- June 17 - Moving Water for Flatwater Paddlers
- June 20 - What if I Capsize? Intro to Canoe and Kayak Rescues
- June 22 - Canoeing for Kids!
- July 6 - Willard Hanmer Guideboat and Canoe Races
Complete 2025 schedule of events coming soon! Hope to see you all out on the water!